Dear Lakesiders,
Once again, we bring news from Lakeside in the form of our weekly update in response to the effects of COVID-19. We hope this note finds you and your family healthy and safe. We continue to monitor and follow state and local health directives while preparing to open our venues as soon as it is safe to do so.
As promised, Governor Mike DeWine has made additional changes to the ‘Stay Safe Ohio’ order. Last week, guidelines were issued by the State of Ohio allowing recreation venues to slowly open beginning May 26. Unfortunately, that timing will not allow us to open recreation venues before Memorial Day weekend.
Recreation at Lakeside
Some of Lakeside’s outdoor recreation venues will begin to open on May 26 if the weather over the next week allows our cleaning and preparation work to be completed by that time. We anticipate that miniature golf, shuffleboard, tennis and pickleball will open on Tuesday, May 26.
The protocols for opening swimming pools (including the Splash Park and baby pool) and fitness centers are more complicated, and we are reviewing how these protocols might be implemented at our facilities. We will update the community when and if we decide that these venues will open.
Playgrounds, basketball and sand volleyball courts and gaga ball remain closed, even if you have your own equipment. We will be reviewing the state and county health guidelines to determine when these will be able to open this summer and will continue to update the community when decisions are made.
The Lakeside Sailing Center is not considered a recreation venue but is considered boating/boating services. Therefore, the sailing center and Waterfront Information Center will be open and renting kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Please note that sailboats are not available to rent this weekend. N
ew safe operating procedures for all venues are being implemented this summer. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with these new protocols.
In addition to recreation, other venues that are currently closed due to State of Ohio gathering restrictions include Hoover Auditorium, Orchestra Hall, Rhein Center, Heritage Hall Museum/Archives, Bradley Temple and The Underground/Teen Center. Outdoor teen programming will begin in late-June. Orchestra Hall will serve as our studio for Community Worship Services, lectures and presentations offered virtually as we ease into the summer.
Memorial Day Weekend Activities & Hotels
Due to the State of Ohio’s ‘Stay Safe Ohio’ orders,
we have modified our
holiday weekend schedule of events
to maintain the safety of our guests, residents, staff and community. This new schedule provides safe social distancing, while maintaining social closeness and human connection.
See our list of updated events and activities
that celebrate the spirit of Chautauqua and the meaning of Memorial Day. In the case of inclement weather, all outdoor activities will be cancelled.
Hotel Lakeside and the Fountain Inn will not be operating over the holiday weekend. Guest reservations have b
een slowed by the pandemic, as well as by the ‘Stay at Home’ order that was in place until recently. Additionally, we are trying not to overload the grounds with too many guests while we all learn what social distancing means at Lakeside.
Important Gate Information
Due to the effects of COVID-19, we have reduced the number of gate attendants and have closed some of our gate entrances for the summer. Starting Friday, May 22, the new gate hours are as follows:
- Fifth Street Gate: open 24 hours/7 days a week
- South Gate: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
- East Second Street Gate: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
- West Second Street Gate: Closed, except for deliveries
- Welcome Center: Closed most days, but may open for weekends (excluding Memorial Day weekend)
During closed hours, the South Gate Parking Lot will be accessible from inside the gates and exiting will be out the Fifth Street Gate.
Because the Welcome Center will be closed most days, passes purchased online prior to your arrival will be available for pick up at the South Gate entrance from the ticket booth. Season Chautauqua Passes can be ordered and picked up at the Hoover Ticket Office, located at 115 W. Third St.
To limit physical contact at the gates, scanning barcoded passes will be suspended this summer.
Restaurants, Shops & Services
Most restaurants, shops and services in Lakeside will be open over Memorial Day weekend. To view hours of operation and safety protocols for those establishments, visit
lakesideohio.com/businessdistrict
.
Campground Open
The state of Ohio has allowed campgrounds to open fully if they can meet required safety protocols. Resident campers were able to move in to the Campground last week and we will welcome transient campers on May 22, in time for Memorial Day weekend. We ask that campers familiarize themselves with and plan to abide by the State of Ohio’s new rules regarding campgrounds.
Safety Responsibilities & “How We Will Act”
The Governor’s re-opening plans allow for certain activities and venues to be opened at Lakeside. The health and well-being of our Lakeside community is always our top priority. We are taking responsible and necessary precautions to minimize the spread of the virus. We are also ensuring compliance with government orders regarding programming venues and recreational facilities, which may impact your access to certain activities and amenities.
However, everyone needs to be aware of their own safety and whether they are high-risk related to COVID-19.
We are Lakeside and we care about each other. We are counting on you to do your part to keep everyone in Lakeside safe.
With safety as our top priority, we have enhanced our high standards of cleanliness throughout our community.
Here is what Lakeside is doing to increase hygiene and infection prevention during COVID-19:
- Conducting daily employee health checks/taking temperatures prior to each shift
- Employees will be wearing masks at venues and public spaces
- Emphasizing employees to have good hygiene, wash hands frequently and clean work spaces before, during and after shifts
- Lakeside programming will be moved outdoors whenever possible to reduce the likelihood of transmission and to practice safe social distancing
- Plexiglass barriers will separate employees and guests in areas of interaction whenever possible
- Hand sanitizer available in public restrooms and in other select locations throughout Lakeside
- Cleaning of shared equipment at shuffleboard, miniature golf, tennis, pickleball and sailing
- Extra cleaning of high-traffic indoor areas: hotel lobbies, Hotel Lakeside porch and Administration Office
- Additional cleaning of children’s areas like playgrounds when they are allowed to be open
Here is what Lakeside is not able to do to minimize COVID-19 risks:
- We are not cleaning large public areas like the dock, beach, Pavilion decks and streets
- We are not cleaning the numerous benches and picnic tables that are placed throughout Lakeside
- There is no way that Safety Services and other Lakeside employees can constantly enforce COVID-19 recommendations, such as social distancing and wearing of masks. The State of Ohio and Ottawa County are not able to police it, and neither is our security team and Lakeside staff. It will take everyone in Lakeside doing their part and abiding by the rules this summer
Here is what we expect from you and your guests during your visit to Lakeside:
- Protect you and your family as needed through the use of personal protective equipment, such as masks, social distancing and abiding by the recommendations and executive orders set forth by Government entities
- To protect yourself and others, Lakeside recommends that guests wear masks in public spaces. There may be independently owned businesses (shops, restaurants, services, rentals, bed & breakfasts, etc.) in Lakeside that require customers to wear masks
- Adhere to safe social distancing practices. Respect 6 feet of physical distance between you and others at all times
- Bring and use hand sanitizer and wash hands frequently with soap and water
- Bring and use sanitizing spray or wipes to sanitize benches and other seating
- Bring and use sanitizing spray or wipes to wipe down picnic tables before and after eating
- Obey "safe play” procedures outlined at each of the recreation venues
- When in line at businesses, events and public restrooms, please follow the procedures for entering and exiting and proper social distancing
- If you feel you have any symptoms at all, do not leave your cottage until all symptoms are cleared, or return home to quarantine
- Immediately notify the Ottawa County Health Department at (419) 734-6800 and Lakeside at (419) 798-4461 if you have tested positive for COVID-19 during or after your visit to Lakeside
We will be communicating this information about “How we will act” with a handout at the gates that will be given to everyone entering Lakeside.
Again, we are Lakeside and we care about each other. We are counting on you to do your part to keep everyone in Lakeside safe.
Startin
g Friday, May 22, we will
be selling Lakeside-branded masks for $11 at the Administration Office, located at 236 Walnut Ave. The Administration Office is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday (closed for lunch 12-1 p.m.); 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday.
Shuttle Service
Shuttles will run from 7 am-11 pm daily with the last pick up at 10:50 pm. The Mack Mobile will be available for guests with limited mobility; call (419) 341-8247.
Only two six-passenger shuttles will run this weekend, and one will act as the Mack Mobile. For your safety, each cart will be sanitized in the morning and cleaned after passengers exit. Clear partitions have been installed between each seat. Only the driver will be seated in the front seat, and one passenger will be allowed per seat or two family members social distancing together. Protect yourself and others by wearing masks in public areas.
Pavilion Update
Due to COVID-19 related delays, weather and an unexpected roof issue, the West Deck of the Pavilion is still under construction and will not be accessible this weekend. We thank the many Lakesiders who joined together to help refresh this iconic landmark. Your special gifts have made a significant impact at Lakeside.
